Women's Colleges in Massachusetts: Responses to Enrollment Declines

This study examines enrollment declines (1980-1995) at three single-gender institutions in Massachusetts, asking two questions: What strategies did institutions use in responding to enrollment decline? What planning-related factors were instrumental in aiding recovery from enrollment decline? Each institution employed different response strategies and planning processes. Two institutions were able to reverse decline; the third could not. The paper explores the extent to which institutional leadership from faculty and administrators is necessary in recovery.